2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1998 BMW 318
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (162 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 110 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Because 1998 BMW 318 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 BMW 318. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1998 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | BMW |
| Model | 156 | 318 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 12.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.2 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.6 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 63 L |
